NORTHAMPTON — A Springfield man is being held on $5,000 bail after denying a charge he choked and beat a pregnant woman following an argument in South Hadley.

Johnny Rodriguez, 21, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Hampshire Superior Court before Judge Bertha Josephson to a charge of aggravated assault and battery.

According to court records, on Dec. 17, 2012, Rodriguez got into an argument with the alleged victim. The woman was five months pregnant with Rodriguez’s child, according to the Northwestern district attorney’s office. During the argument, Rodriguez allegedly grabbed the alleged victim by the throat, pushed her up against a refrigerator to the point she was unable to breathe or speak.

The alleged victim got Rodriguez to let go by pulling his hair. Rodriguez allegedly punched the woman in the face once he released his grip on her throat and bit her on the hand when she attempted to protect her face, according to court files.

Rodriguez allegedly fled the South Hadley apartment after the alleged victim’s roommate intervened, according to court records.

Rodriguez was ordered held on the same $5,000 cash bail set as his arraignment in Eastern Hampshire District Court in Belchertown.

If he posts bail, he must refrain from any abuse of the alleged victim.